Extreme Sailing Series- FMJ fourth in Qingdao, China

The third act of the Extreme Sailing Series was held in Qingdao, China. Being the 2008 Olympic sailing village it was well set up for stadium racing in the waters surrounding the city. It was the first time we were able to see the Land Rover boat being sailed around with the new partnership formed between the ESS and Range Rover.

Full Metal Jacket crew, Qingdao, China, Extreme Sailing Series

. ..

The first racing day was held outside the breakwater with conventional open water windward leeward racing. The racing was close and big gains were made on the downwinds! After day one FMJ were sat in sixth.

The next three day's were held inside the breakwater with short stadium racing courses. Day two was a good day clocking up solid wins and being the biggest movers into third place! Another solid third day saw FMJ retain the third place but the points were tight going into the final day with SAP Extreme team close behind!

The regatta came down to the final race of the series. Being a double points race big gains were possible and with the results going your way up to four boats could have won the regatta! Unfortunately SAP sailed a great race and overtook FMJ bumping us just off the podium. None the less fourth was a good result and the team is on the improve and looking for a podium in the next regatta in Turkey!

Up next for the boys is a grade two match racing regatta held out of The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in J80's, should be a bit of a change from the extremes!